About the topic: The meningitis outbreak At NECC is linked to quality system non-compliance from inappropriate intrathecal preparation, ignorance of environmental monitoring data, lack of a validation program, absence of an approved vendor qualification, no final product sterility testing, and clean rooms out of control. How is Gov. Deval Patrick and MA coping with this nationwide “black-eye”?

About the speaker: Francis McAteer, Vice President at Microbiology Research Associates, has been involved in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices over the last 20 years. He has been with Microbiology Research Associates, Inc. for the past 10 years, serving as Vice President. In this role, Mr. McAteer has expertise and experience in implementation of USP <797> programs for hospital pharmacies and acts as a consultant for many hospitals.